2007 Bmw M5 problems
The BMW M5 is a high-performance variant of the BMW 5 Series marketed under the BMW M sub-brand. It is considered an iconic vehicle in the sports sedan category. The M5 has always been produced in the sedan (saloon) body style, but in some countries the M5 has also been available as a wagon (estate) from 1992 to 1995, from 2006 to 2010, and since 2024.
The first M5 model was hand-built in 1985 on the E28 535i chassis with a modified engine from the M1 that made it the fastest production sedan at the time. M5 models have been produced for every generation of the 5 Series since 1985.
E28 M5 (1984–1988)
The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, was manufactured from October 1984 to June 1988. It made its debut at the Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1985. It was based on the 535i chassis with various mechanical changes, most notably the M88/3 engine (shared with the E24 M635CSi grand tourer coupé) which was an updated version of the engine used in the M1 sports car. At its launch, the E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world.
The official markets for the E28 M5 were Europe, Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and South Africa. The European and South African cars used the M88/3 engine which has a power output of 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp).
Cars sold in the United States and Canada used a detuned version of the M88/3 called the S38B35, which was equipped with a catalytic converter and has a power output of 191 kW (256 hp). Due to an extended production run that exceeded BMW's original forecast of production volumes, a class action lawsuit was launched by owners in the United States. The results of this class action was that owners were given a voucher for US$4,000 in 1993. Production of North American specification M5 commenced in November 1986 and ended in November 1987.
Aside from 96 cars which were assembled in kit form at BMW's Plant in Rosslyn, South Africa, all cars were assembled by hand in Germany. Assembly took place at BMW Motorsport's plant in Preussenstrasse in Munich prior to the 1986 factory summer vacation. Thereafter, the M5 production was moved to Daimlerstrasse in Garching where the remainder were built. Production of the M5 continued until November 1988, almost a year after BMW had ceased production of regular E28 models. With a total production of 2,241 units, the E28 M5 remains among the rarest regular production BMW Motorsport cars – after the M1 (456 units), M5 (E34) Touring (891 units) and the 850CSi (1,510 units).
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Common 2007 Bmw M5 problems
The BMW E60 M5, produced from 2005 to 2010, is known for its high-performance V10 engine and unique body panels. However, it also has some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the most significant issues is with the high-pressure oil pump in the S85 motor, which was found to fail in the 2006 models.
Another common problem is with the steering sensor, which can fail due to the failure of the optical sensor
. This issue is shared with the 5-series model and can be resolved by replacing the sensor.
Rear differentials could also make a grinding noise, which is addressed by a technical service bulletin
. This noise should be listened out for while manoeuvring slowly around a corner. On a test drive, see if you can turn the vehicle a full 360 degree with lock-to-lock manoeuvres as this should make the noise occur if it affects the vehicle you are viewing. The noise is generally caused if vehicles did not have the correct running when new, or have had the differential oil changed with a non-recommended oil.
SMG transmissions could suffer from a failure of the electric motor, again this has a technical service bulletin coded SI B23 01 07
. The affected batch was built from January 2005 to January 2006.
The E60 M5 is also known for its high maintenance costs, with the engine and transmission replacement costs being particularly high. The car's engine is extremely choked down to make it legal to sell, and it requires synthetic motor oil for extreme lubrication to avoid a meltdown or damage. The transmission is highly custom and not cheap, and the brakes are also expensive to replace.
In addition, the car's Vanos problems, differential issues, and rod bearing problems are well-documented.
Overall, while the BMW E60 M5 is a high-performance car with unique body panels and a V10 engine, it is also known for its common problems and high maintenance costs. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider the costs of ownership before making a purchase.
Is the BMW M5 reliable?
Reliability rating
The BMW 5 Series range (including the M5) has a poor reliability score of 47% as of January 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This covers both the current (2017 onwards) model as well as earlier generations of 5 Series.
What goes bad in the E60 M5?
Rod Bearing Issues
The rod bearing issue is such a nightmare with the S85 that it's sometimes the only reason people turn away from buying a BMW E60 M5. While a rod bearing failure can occur on any car, the likelihood of it happening on this M5 was unnaturally high.
How long does a BMW M5 engine last?
I have 75,000 miles on my M5 and plan on keeping it well past 100,000 miles. Just keep up on regular maintenance service intervals and keep an eye on your oil consumption (if you have any) and you should be good. There are other members on here who have over 100,000 miles on their M5 and they're still going strong.
Is the E60 M5 reliable?
In fact, it's one of the least reliable, with several tremendously expensive issues plaguing the car — the worst of which, its failure-prone rod bearings, could torpedo the entire engine if you don't improve them ahead of time.
Is an old BMW M5 reliable?
During the first ten years of ownership, there is a 40.39% chance the BMW M5 will need a severe repair, which is around 1% worse than the industry average. It's slightly more expensive than most vehicles to maintain the BMW M5.
What is the problem with the E60 M5?
Rod Bearing Issues
The rod bearing issue is such a nightmare with the S85 that it's sometimes the only reason people turn away from buying a BMW E60 M5. While a rod bearing failure can occur on any car, the likelihood of it happening on this M5 was unnaturally high.
How long does a BMW M5 engine last?
I have 75,000 miles on my M5 and plan on keeping it well past 100,000 miles. Just keep up on regular maintenance service intervals and keep an eye on your oil consumption (if you have any) and you should be good. There are other members on here who have over 100,000 miles on their M5 and they're still going strong.
Is the E60 M5 reliable?
In fact, it's one of the least reliable, with several tremendously expensive issues plaguing the car — the worst of which, its failure-prone rod bearings, could torpedo the entire engine if you don't improve them ahead of time.
2007 Bmw M5 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw M5 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Seat belts problems
- Seats problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2007 Bmw M5 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2007 Bmw M5 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2007 Bmw M5.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-01
- VIN: WBSNB93567C
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: A MESSAGE FLASHED ON THE SCREEN STATING THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED THAT A SEAT MAT SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ESTIMATED COST OVER 3000 DOLLARS ASKING BMW TO AUTHORIZE UNDER SIMILAR RECALL REPAIR. BMW ISSUED 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON SIMILAR 5 SERIES. BMW PLEASE CONTACT ME CURRENTLY TRAVELING IN EUROPE WITH MY CAR. NEED REPLACEMENT IN UKRAINE OFFICIAL DEALERSHIP MY DIRECT LINE +[XXX] THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-11
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SEAT MAT IS FAULTY. ITS AN KNOWN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MANY MANY BMW M5 OWNERS, AND A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE! NOW THE AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY PROPERLY. BMW REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND IS OVER $2000 TO FIX. THEY HAD A RECALL FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE BUT ONLY UNTIL MID-2005 MODELS. THIS ISSUE IS GOING ON WELL PAST VEHICLES BUILT IN 2005. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-28
- VIN: WBSNB93587C
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CAR HAD NUMEROUS SAFETY MALFUNCTIONS ON AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE I-DRIVE SCREEN PROMPT ADVISED TO DRIVE IN A CAUTIOUS MANNER. WHILE STATIONARY AT THE RED LIGHT THE CARS REV COUNTER WAS BOUNCING UP AND DOWN FROM 500RPM-1500RPM. MY DESTINATION WAS ROUGHLY ONE MILE AWAY. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I GAVE THE CAR THROTTLE, BUT THERE WAS NO FORWARD MOVEMENT, THE CAR REMAINED STATIONARY (THE REVS ALSO REMAINED BELOW 900RPM). I GAVE THE CAR A BIT MORE THROTTLE ROUGHLY 30% (THE REVS REMAINED BELOW 900RPM AND THEN I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE THROTTLE), AS I DID THIS THE CAR JUMPED FORWARD AND BUCKED VIOLENTLY WITH THE THROTTLE BEING ULTRA SENSITIVE. I PROCEEDED TO MANUALLY ENGAGE SECOND GEAR AND LUCKILY THE BUCKING MOTION STOPPED. I AM UNSURE IF THE ISSUE IS A SOFTWARE OR MECHANICAL ISSUE. THIS HAS ALSO OCCURRED A FEW TIMES AFTER THIS FIRST INCIDENT. THE DEALER FOUND SEVERAL SPORADIC DSC FAULTS IN THE CAR, BUT COULDN'T TRACE IT TO A MECHANICAL CAUSE. I RESET THE SMG ADAPTATION, BUT THIS HAS DONE NOTHING TO CURE THE ISSUE. IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS SUCH AS HEAVY TRAFFIC THIS COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CAR BECAME UNPREDICTABLE TO DRIVE AND THE FAULTS COME AND GO RANDOMLY. THE CAR CAN BE PERFECT TO DRIVE ONE MINUTE, AND THE NEXT MINUTE ITS LIKE A WILD BUCKING BRONCO. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-23
- VIN: WBSNB93577C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW M5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A MESSAGE FLASHED ON THE SCREEN STATING THAT THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED THAT A SEAT MAT SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-05
- VIN: WBSNB93567C
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BMW CONTINUES TO DENY THAT A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO DISABLE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WHEN OCCUPIED BY AN ADULT. THE FOLLOWING RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2008 FOR 2004-2006 MODEL 5-SERIES VEHICLES WITH THE SAME EXACT PASSENGER SEAT MAT. HTTP://WWW.BMWUSA.COM/STANDARD/CONTENT/CONTACTUS/VOLUNTARYRECALL.ASPX THERE ARE COUNTLESS CLAIMS AND VIDEOS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO THE 2007 MODELS AND LATER. IF A SEAT MAT SENSOR SHOULD EVER GO OUT, THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME IT WOULD BE ON THE DRIVER SIDE SINCE IT'S THE MOST USED. IN EVERY CASE IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE PASSENGER SEAT SIDE. THIS FLAW IN THE SEAT MAT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS OWNERS ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY $1,700 FOR A NEW SEAT MAT (WHICH IS A NEW DESIGN). THEY'RE INSTEAD PURCHASING AN OVERRIDE SWITCH SOLD ONLINE (HTTP://WWW.XENONPLANET.COM/BMW-AIRBAG-SEAT-OCCUPANCY-SENSOR-E36-E46-E38-E39-E53-X5-Z3) TO RE-ENABLE THE AIRBAG, SO THEY CAN SAFELY DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER. THE PROBLEM WITH THIS SOLUTION IS THE CAR CAN NO LONGER DETERMINE THE PASSENGERS WEIGHT (IE. CHILDREN) WHICH COULD BECOME DEADLY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. EVEN BMW SERVICE MECHANICS KNOW ITS A POOR DESIGN IN THE MAT BUT CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-01
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER ON MY NEW CAR IS NOT CALIBRATED CORRECTLY. IT CONSTANTLY REGISTERS ABOUT 8% TOO HIGH. DOES DOT REGULATE THIS CALIBRATION? IT SEEMS POSSIBLE THAT ODOMETER COULD ALSO BE INCORRECT. BMW SAYS THAT THEIR ALLOWABLE TOLERANCE IS 10%. CAN THIS POSSIBLY BE ALLOWABLE IN THE US? THERE DOES SEEM TO BE A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. *JB
2007 Bmw M5 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2007 Bmw M5.
- Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 5-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2004-2010 6-SERIES, MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 M5, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 M6 VEHICLES. THE INSULATED BULKHEAD CONNECTOR FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE TRUNK FLOOR PANEL, WHICH CAN LEAD TO A LOOSENING OF THE BOLT CONNECTION. AS IT LOOSENS, AN INCREASE IN ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE AT THIS CABLE CONNECTION IS POSSIBLE AND COULD CAUSE THE CABLE CONNECTION TO OVERHEAT.
- Consequence: OVERHEATING COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, EVEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN USE. AS A PRECAUTION, OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO PARK OUTSIDE UNTIL THE REMEDY HAS BEEN MADE.
- Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND SECURE THE BATTERY BOLT CABLE CONNECTION AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 30, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Negative 2007 Bmw M5 car reviews
Positive 2007 Bmw M5 car reviews
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What a fantastic ride! There's truly nothing like it. The weight distribution is perfectly balanced at 50/50, and the understeer issue that plagued the e39 M5 has been significantly improved. The exterior maintains a sleek and understated look, but upon closer inspection, it has a more muscular stance than other 5-series models. The oval side mirror housings and quad-tail pipes are a dead giveaway. The color options are great, although it's a shame that BMW individual colors aren't available in the US. The interior is a step up from the previous model, with incredibly comfortable seats that you could even sleep in. The full leather package with alcantara headliner is simply gorgeous. The SMG is also fantastic, although it takes a bit of finesse to get smooth shifting in paddle mode.
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Congratulations on your second M5! It's great to hear that the wait was worth it and that you're enjoying the awesome performance and handling of the car. It's impressive how well it performs on the interstate alongside other high-performance cars like the viper or 911. While the SMG may take some getting used to, it's great to hear that you find it relatively smooth and functional once you decide how you want to use it.
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The M5's technology allows for virtually infinite adjustments to suit your driving preferences and the conditions on the road. It's like having a bespoke car that you can customize to your liking. With a wide range of options to choose from, this car's great capabilities are sure to impress. The M5 handles beautifully, with precise steering and road feel, and has ample power with up to 500 hp. As someone who owned the previous generation M5, I can confidently say that the 2006 model is a tremendous improvement in terms of both performance and comfort. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that the car is a 'sleeper', meaning that unless someone is familiar with cars, they may not realize that the M5 is one of the best performing cars on the road.
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A wonderful driving machine. It sounds like you had a great time on long trips and through the canyons!
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Deciding between this and the 911 4S was a tough decision, but both cars have their unique strengths. The performance of this four-door sedan is truly unbelievable and sets it apart from other luxury cars. As someone familiar with BMWs, I can attest that this car not only delivers intense performance but also offers a level of luxury that is hard to match. The available options, especially the comfort access, are fantastic. Overall, this car is a spectacular machine that outperforms just about everything on the road and turns heads with its unique style.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2007 Bmw M5 problems:
Are there any problems commonly found on the BMW E60 M5 ...
Aug 7, 2015 ... Common problems on the E60 M5 and its S85 V10 engine ... 2007 E60 M5 6MT owner. · Updated 6y. Common ... BMW (car): Which to buy: an E39 M5 or E60 ...
Just bought a E60 M5. now that it's working fine with no problems ...
Jul 19, 2022 ... Rod Bearings, Throttle actuators, frequent oil changes, wait to warm up before running hard, tho these are meant to be driven and run hard. Some ...
Known E60 M5 issues | BMW M5 Forum and M6 Forums
Apr 23, 2013 ... Rod bearings, Vanos pump/solenoids, stuck open injectors, SMG clutch throw out bearing and sleeve, SMG pump, leaking oil coolers, leaking ...
BMW M5 Questions - Is it worth buying a used Bmw M5 years 2007 ...
Oct 23, 2012 ... the newer ones where known to have less problems no car has none. if i can help you with your search email me Adrian ...
Common issues in high mileage E60 M5's
Feb 9, 2016 ... No complaints. 2007 E60 M5 Silverstone/Blk 6speed 2001 E38 750il Shadowline 2002 P38 Range Rover Holland and Holland 2008 E65 Alpina B7. siado ...
Other years of Bmw M5
Are you having problems with your 2007 Bmw M5?
Jonas Okuneva 2024-10-27
Although some may find it heavy and less agile than previous M cars, it still offers impressive performance. It may not be the most practical for daily driving, but it certainly has its moments. As J. Clarkson once said, it can be completely annoying until you hit the M button, but when you do, it's a whole different story. While it may not be suitable for all driving situations, it still offers a thrilling experience. However, if you're looking for a more well-rounded option, you may want to consider a Porsche.
Bernie Dare 2024-04-17
Hello there! If you're considering purchasing this car, I wanted to share some thoughts with you. While there are some mixed reviews out there, it's important to keep in mind that this model is quite different from its predecessors. It's more focused on speed and comfort rather than handling, so if you're looking for a car to cruise around in, this might be a great fit for you. However, if you're looking for a car to take on twisty roads, you might want to keep looking. Just wanted to give you a heads up! Let me know if you have any questions.